Introduction
Errol Parker (né Raphaël Schecroun; 30 October 1925-2 July 1998) was a French-Algerian jazz pianist who played with Django Reinhardt, James Moody, Don Byas and Kenny Clarke, among others.
Born in Oran, French Algeria, Raphaël Schecroun (his working name derives from two of his jazz heroes, Errol Garner and Charlie Parker) moved to Paris at the age of 18.
In 1964, Parker wrote the song "Lorre", which became a hit in France, and opened his own jazz club "Le Ladybird" on Rue de la Huchette.
Following a serious car accident that impaired his playing, Parker emigrated to New York City, where his daughter was to begin university in February 1968.
In America he started a second career as a record producer, but unable to find a suitable drummer he started to perform as a jazz drummer (which was not affected by his shoulder injury). He died of liver cancer in New York City, aged 72. His daughter was Elodie Lauten (1950-2014), a pianist and composer.
Selected discography
- Duo (with Kenny Clarke) (Ricordi (unissued), 1958)
- Trio (with Georges Luca and Kenny Clarke) (Ricordi, 1960)
- Lorre (1963)
- Solo Concert (Sahara, 1979)
- Doodles (Sahara, 1979)
- Live at the Wollman Auditorium (Sahara, 1985)
- Compelling Forces (Cadence, 1985) solo
- A Night in Tunisia (Sahara, 1991)
- Remembering Billy Strayhorn (Sahara, 1994)